The year following its launch to market, the Optitherm thermostatic clinical handwashing tap from Horne won the coveted Building Better Healthcare (BBH) Award (Best Interiors Product). A modular unit, it is a combined thermostatic mixing valve, a warm water tap and dedicated cold water tap. It has been designed specifically to ensure safe surface temperatures, and deliver a smooth column, without splashing, of precisely temperature-controlled warm water for clinical and surgical handwash. Its novel dual-lever arrangement facilitates hands-free operation for enhanced infection control, while its modularity supports easy installation, which can also be phased (spigot then tap body), site commissioning and, later, maintenance.
The importance of a clean healthcare environment was a major consideration during the Optitherm’s development; a polished, smooth and continuous surface facilitates easy cleaning. There are no recesses where dirt and pathogens might dwell. The outlet flow-conditioner fitting, a critical component for managing retrograde contamination of the tap fitting, is also designed for easy removal, substitution or ultrasonic cleaning.
The BBH judges said of the Optitherm, ‘a truly wonderful product that demonstrated innovation and technical excellence’, while the excellent presentation at the product pitching day ‘demonstrated a clear appreciation of the needs of the healthcare environment’.
Today the Optitherm is installed, in its thousands, across the UK public and private healthcare estate, and is favoured among nursing, medical and estates and facilities staff for its comfort, safety and reliability.
A recent change of supplier for the Optitherm’s outer chromium-plated body – transferring production to the UK – has also presented an opportunity to review and update the original 2007 design. Now more streamlined, using less brass and associated chromium plating, the redesign further reduces the volume of the tiny mixed-water dead-leg, and incorporates previous improvements to the connection to the outlet flow conditioner.
In the Safest Hands – the new Optitherm from HORNE
http://b.link/SafeHands | 01505 321455